Messages

Agree with u that he is out of his depth but he certainly not part of the Burren mafia.  Most people were happy for him to move on.

Questions have to be asked as to what qualified him to get the job.

A lot of commentators on social media were raving about Eastwoods performance on both tv debates.

Does this suggest the debates are completely irrelevant or are people either voting for SF to merely beat DUP or thinking Alliance is the better alternative ?

Difficult one to answer, not that popular among the players by all accounts as well.

Actually thought most of the younger lads did alright and it was the more experienced lads who didn't perform.

Young McEvoy will need to reflect on his reaction to be taken off and it was probably the right decision as things weren't going his way throughout the match.

Play all the young lads over the next 1/2/3/4 matches and see where it takes them.  James came in when nobody wanted it so I would give him another year if he wants it but he would need a upgrade on his backroom team.

I reckon Down will will this narrowly before getting beaten out of sight in the next round.

You smoking something ?

Are county players allowed to play on Friday night ?

Who would you like in charge ?

Minors are embarrassing tbf

Quite a lot of that panel are available again next year.  Laverty will stick around for mother year and rightly so.

Magill and McCarthy have been added to the senior panel apparently

Is the match on Saturday available to watch online ?

If we get beat then prepare right for the taitleann cup. And go and win it, it would be a good boost for the county.

The hurlers winning at the weekend coupled with an u20 win would be great as well.

The county board got a lot of flak-like week but that's an easy option to hit, players need to ask themselves a few home truths.

Looking at the sides that will be in the Tailteann I'm struggling to pick out many that I'd be confident Down could beat. Need some massive boost to win a match never mind a tournament.

I know things are bad but if there was a fully fit panel to pick from would we not be capable of beating all Div 4 teams and some Div 3 teams ?

The under 20's were impressive on Friday night, great movement as a team and seemed to have a structure about them that doesnt appear to be there at senior level.  In saying that Fermanagh were very poor and outside Murdock I didn't see anyone ready to make the step up to senior level yet.

It's Murdock and he is injured I am led to believe.

You are basing this on a challenge against a team they are likely to face in the championship in 6 weeks ? Do you think by any chance there might have been a few players missing, a few players playingout of position, hiding of a few tactical ploys? If not I'd be surprised and extremely disappointed in Lavertys footballing intelligence.

On a side note was the under 20s coaches training the seniors during the week ?  What does that tell u about our senior setup ...

[We've a seriously quick middle 8 ready to roll. Let them roll.]

I don't blame anyone, I think Down are a div3 team. Haven't been producing enough quality players for long time, and I think a year or 2 in Div3 wouldn't be the end of world and might benefit the younger players.

I mostly agree with you Ed. 23 years since Down has won an Ulster Minor. The gene pool would suggest this is not possible, but it has happened.

But I'm still finding myself staring into space watching this management team not even trying to change up what happened under Tally. The problems are eerily the same; obliterated at midfield, unwilling to attack with conviction or in numbers, and keeping players around for the value of experience, who just aren't up to it.

The odd thing is that for 35 mins just two years ago, Down developed an identity for one half vs Cavan that suits our current players; run hard, run fast, pass quick.  It's possibly the hardest football style to coach, because it's off the cuff.

So maybe stop over coaching? Just play to our strengths. We've a seriously quick middle 8 ready to roll. Let them roll.

Who would this middle 8 be.  I have my own thoughts on this but would be interested in hearing what others think.  For instance Mooneys best football for Down has been in the half back line so I personally think he should stay there instead of constantly being moved around the field.  I also think you cant have Niall McParland and Darren O Hagan in the same half back line.

I wouldn't lose the plot now lads.  We aren't going to div 4 and aren't the worst team in Ulster.

We have played the 3 best teams in the league at this stage so let's see where we are at the end of the league with the Kilcoo lads back.

I do agree we don't look fit and are carrying too many passengers.

Would Odhran Murdock be worth a look at full forward to bring a bit of presence and strength? Two good feet and can take a score.